For the LORD gives wisdom, and from his mouth comes knowledge and understanding. He stores up effective counsel for the upright, and is like a shield for those who live with integrity.(Proverbs 2:6-7) Synonyms for “integrity” in the Proverbs are “godliness” and “righteousness.” These terms have little meaning today but integrity still has the connotation …
Series Archives:
22210.019 Listening and Doing
My child, if you receive my words, and store up my commands inside yourself, by making your ear attentive to wisdom, and by turning your heart to understanding, indeed, if you call out for discernment—shout loudly for understanding—if you seek it like silver, and search for it like hidden treasure, then you will understand how …
22210.018 Avoiding Addictions
Wine is a mocker and strong drink is a brawler; whoever goes astray by them is not wise.(Proverbs 20:1) When one becomes dependent upon alcohol (and by inference other drugs) he/she becomes an unproductive member of society, and declines in wealth, spirits, and health. Drinking to excess is self-indulgence and those who wish to be …
22210.017 Avoiding Laziness
The appetite of the sluggard craves but gets nothing, but the desire of the diligent will be abundantly satisfied.(Proverbs 13:4) Proverbs says much about the lazy person. Those who will not work have little place in a world which is defined by and maintained by work. A person is often characterized by his or her job …
22210.016 Avoiding Foolishness
Fearing the LORD is the beginning of discernment, but fools have despised wisdom and moral instruction.(Proverbs 1:7) The Hebrew word that most frequently occurs in Proverbs to designate “fool” and “folly” signifies weakness but perhaps it could be best translated as “infatuation with things that are unwise.” Solomon also uses the word “fool” to designate moral as …
22210.015 On Becoming Wise
Fearing the LORD is the beginning of discernment, but fools have despised wisdom and moral instruction.(Proverbs 1:7) At the beginning of his kingship, Solomon asked for a discerning heart to distinguish between right and wrong. He did not ask for long life, or wealth, or for the death of his enemies but for discernment. Not …
22210.014 Education
Fearing the LORD is the beginning of discernment, but fools have despised wisdom and moral instruction.(Proverbs 1:7) The book of Proverbs places great emphasis on the subject of education, especially early education in the home with the parents. Solomon follows the Hebrew tradition in making religious training the responsibility of both parents, incorporating moral teaching into daily …
22210.013 Business
All a person’s ways seem right in his own opinion, but the LORD evaluates the motives. Commit your works to the LORD, and your plans will be established.(Proverbs 16:2-3) The Lord is the very basis of ethics, the author of right and wrong. He is ever present and his searchlight penetrates the heart; He sees …
22210.012 Friendships/Neighbors
Do not forsake your friend and your father’s friend, and do not enter your brother’s house in the day of your disaster; a neighbor nearby is better than a brother far away.(Proverbs 27:10) Proverbs reflects the striking contrast between the ancient and the modern worlds with respect to the emphasis given to being a good friend …
22210.011 Parent-Child Relationships
Listen, my child, to the instruction from your father, and do not forsake the teaching from your mother. For they will be like an elegant garland on your head, and like pendants around your neck.(Proverbs 1:8-9) Solomon outlines a contract of sorts, giving responsibilities to both parents and their children. Parents are to model integrity …